Steel FC cap off homestand with 1-1 draw against in-state rivals

Bethlehem Steel FC extended its unbeaten streak to eight consecutive matches after fighting back for a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Stadium.

After spending the first 20 minutes settling in, both sides saw the action increase as the goal posts stopped three shots in the first half. Despite Pittsburgh notching the opening goal on a cross from Shannon Gomez to Romeo Parkes, Steel FC fought back. After having a one-timer saved by Keasel Broome, the club continued to fight back as Hugh Roberts tried to connect with James Chambers but earned a penalty kick after a high boot by the Hounds’ Victor Souto. Chambers converted the equalizer for his fourth goal of the season.

Pittsburgh controlled the second half with nearly 60 percent of the possession but was unable to break down the Steel FC defense. Led by USL Defender of the Year Hugh Roberts’ leadership, Steel FC held its ground to grind out the result.

While Steel FC extended its streak, the match provided numerous playing opportunities as the club was without any players from Philadelphia Union. During the match, three members of the Philadelphia Union Academy made their USL debuts as Brendan Aaronson, Tiger Graham and Seth Kuhn helped Steel FC to the draw. 16-year-old goalkeeper Tomas Romero logged the result, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the league’s history to record a result.

“Very happy with the result considering we had three guys make their debut today; young goalkeeper who I thought performed really well for us and one of his saves was an excellent one at the end of the match to come out and close off the angle,” Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. “Really happy that we got so many guys an intro, this is what we are all about. We were a little bit light so it’s an important result for us. A lot of the guys that we’ve called character guys stepped up today and were just that. Charlie Reymann was good, Matthew Mahoney was good, Yosef (Samuel) stepped in and did his work defensively and showed a flash or two going forward. Santi (Moar) pushed through a little bit of a grown injury and I think (Chris) Nanco carried the front line again. Really happy with the performance overall and our senior guys carried us in a big way too, James Chambers and Hugh Roberts.”

After a three-game homestand, Steel FC returns to action next weekend on the road at the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, July 22. After playing to a 1-1 draw just two weeks ago, both squads will be looking for three points and the series. Kickoff from City Stadium is set for 7 p.m.